Priming device

ABSTRACT

Described is a priming device to prime a gas from a fluid delivery system by receiving the gas and a fluid used to push the gas into a chamber, the priming device including a housing having a chamber, an inlet port, and an opening to release gas received into the chamber. The device further includes a sleeve having an open first end for coupling with a male luer connector, a second end coupled to the housing, and an axis between the first and second ends. The sleeve defines at least one window. The device further includes an arm extending from a bottom of each window toward the first end, and a member extending radially from an inner surface of each arm. Each member has a ramp surface, an engagement surface extending transversely to the ramp surface, and an apex area that transitions between the ramp surface and the engagement surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/860,478, titled “PRIMING DEVICE” filed Sep. 21, 2015, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 10,195,415, on Feb. 5, 2019, the content of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to medical connectors used influid delivery applications. More specifically, the present disclosurerelates to a priming cap configured to couple with a medical connectorto prime the fluid delivery system by permitting trapped air and fluidto flow through and from the medical connector and to protect themedical connector from contamination.

Fluid delivery systems are widely used to transmit and deliver medicalfluids, such as medical treatments and blood, to patients. When thefluid is delivered intravenously, it is important to release air fromthe fluid delivery system to prevent introduction of air into apatient's blood stream. Typically, a medical practitioner releases airtrapped in the fluid delivery system by pushing a fluid in the systemthough an opening until the trapped air is released. After the air isreleased, the fluid in the system begins to be released. Once themedical fluid begins to be released, the fluid flow path is then closed.

SUMMARY

Air is released from the fluid delivery system using luer activatedconnectors which do not require a hypodermic needle, but instead use anactivator such as a luer on the end of a syringe or IV line to create afluid path through a valve in a connector. The removal of the connectorcauses the valve to close when the line is disconnected. The fluiddelivery system connector must then be sanitized prior to coupling ofthe fluid delivery system with the patient. Sanitizing the connectoraids in preventing contamination or infection of the patient's bloodstream.

In some instances, such as with chemotherapy treatment, repeated contactwith the medical fluid may become harmful to the medical practitioner.Therefore, it is important to retain the medical fluid bled from thesystem in a container, thereby preventing exposure to the medical fluid.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a priming devicecomprising: a housing defining a chamber and an inlet port, wherein thechamber and the inlet port are fluidly coupled, the housing comprising:an opening extending from within the chamber to outside the housing andconfigured to permit a gas to exit the chamber; a valve extending fromthe inlet port toward the chamber, wherein in a sealed position thevalve seals the inlet port, and in an open position, the valve does notseal the inlet port; and a cover body having an open first end, an opensecond end, and an axis between the first end and the second end, thefirst end configured to couple with a male luer connector, the secondend configured to couple with the inlet port of the housing.

Some embodiments provide when the priming device is in a priming-readyconfiguration, the inlet port is disposed within the second end of thecover body, and the valve is in a sealed position. Certain aspectsprovide when the priming device is in a priming configuration, the inletport is advanced over a portion of a male luer connector stem to fluidlycouple the housing with the male luer connector, thereby opening thevalve and creating a fluid pathway between the male luer connector andthe chamber. Some aspects provide when the priming device is in apost-priming configuration, the housing is decoupled from the coverbody, the cover body remaining coupled to the male luer connector.

In certain instances of the present disclosure, the cover body comprisesone or more protrusion extending axially inward from an inner surface ofthe cover body, the protrusion having an inner surface defining an innercross-sectional width. In some embodiments, the protrusion is one moreor tabs. In some instances, the first end of the cover body comprises aninner cross-sectional width configured to receive an outer surface ofthe male luer connector.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a lid coupled to thesecond end of the cover body by a hinge, the lid configured to seal thesecond end of the cover body when the housing is decoupled from thecover body. In some embodiments, a hydrophobic filter is disposed in theopening. According to certain implementations of the present disclosure,the housing comprising a passage formed between the inlet port and achamber inlet, the chamber inlet separating the passage from thechamber. In some instances, the chamber inlet comprises a lumenextending toward the inlet port fluidly connecting the chamber and thepassage.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure, a threadextends circumferentially outward from the inlet port, the thread beinglocated between the male luer connector and the second end in thepriming-ready and priming configurations. In some implementations, thethread comprises an outer cross-sectional width that is greater than theinner cross-sectional width of a protrusion extending axially inwardfrom an inner surface of the cover body.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a priming devicecomprising: a housing defining a chamber and an inlet port, wherein thechamber and the inlet port are fluidly coupled, the housing comprising:an opening extending from within the chamber to outside the housing andconfigured to permit a gas to exit the chamber; a sleeve having an openfirst end configured to couple with a male luer connector, a second endcoupled to the housing, and an axis between the first end and the secondend, wherein the sleeve defines at least one window; an arm extendingfrom a bottom of each window toward the first end; and a memberextending radially from an inner surface of each arm, wherein eachmember comprises a ramp surface, an engagement surface extendingtransversely to the ramp surface, and an apex area that transitionsbetween the ramp surface and the engagement surface.

Some embodiments provide when the priming device is in a priming-readyconfiguration, the male luer connector is partially inserted into thesleeve and the engagement surface of a member engages a bottom-facingedge of the male luer connector. Certain aspects provide when thepriming device is in a priming configuration, each arm flexes away fromthe axis such that a cross-sectional width between the apex areas is atleast equal to the outer surface of the male luer connector. In certaininstances of the present disclosure, the inlet port is advanced over aportion of a male luer connector stem to fluidly couple the housing withthe male luer connector, thereby opening the valve and creating a fluidpathway between the male luer connector and the chamber. In someinstances, a hydrophobic filter is disposed in the opening.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the opening extendsthrough a portion of the housing opposite the inlet port. In someinstances, the open first end of the sleeve has an inner cross-sectionalwidth configured to receive an outlet port of the male luer connector.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the innercross-sectional width of the first end is equal to an outercross-sectional width of the outlet port such that the outlet port ispress fit into the sleeve partially toward the second end of the sleeve.

Some embodiments provide that when the priming device is in apriming-ready configuration, the engagement surface of each membercontacts an edge of the outlet port to prevent insertion of the maleluer connector beyond the member.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the male luerconnector comprises: an inlet port, an outlet port, and a body betweenthe inlet port and the outlet port; a luer portion extending from withinthe body toward the outlet port, wherein a fluid path extends from theinlet port through the body and luer portion; and a post extendingthrough the fluid path in the luer portion. In certain aspects, in aclosed position, the post seals an open tip of the luer portion therebyclosing the fluid path; and in an open position, the post is retractedtoward the inlet port of the male luer connector and into the luerportion, thereby opening the fluid path.

Some embodiments provide that the inlet port defined in the housing hasa thread extending circumferentially outward from an outer surfacethereof, the thread configured to engage a mating thread on an innersurface of the outlet port to threadably couple the housing with themale luer connector.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an outer surface ofthe housing comprises one or more channels between the second end of thesleeve and the opening to increase rigidity of the priming device, andprovide increased torsional leverage when coupling or decoupling thesleeve with the male luer connector.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the priming devicefurther includes one or more ribs extending along an outer surface ofthe housing between the second end of the sleeve and the opening toincrease rigidity of the priming device, and provide increased torsionalleverage when coupling or decoupling the sleeve with the male luerconnector.

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a priming devicecomprising: a housing defining a chamber and an inlet port fluidlycoupled to the chamber, the housing comprising an opening extendingthrough a portion of the housing opposite the inlet port, the openingconfigured to permit a gas to exit the chamber; a sleeve having an openfirst end configured to couple with a male luer connector, a second endcoupled to the housing; and at least one window defined through thesleeve, the at least one window comprising an arm extending toward thefirst end and the arm including at least one member extending radiallyfrom an inner surface of each arm.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an axis is definedbetween the first end and the second end of the sleeve and when thepriming device is in a priming configuration, each arm flexes away fromthe axis such that a cross-sectional width between the apex areas is atleast equal to the outer surface of the male luer connector.

Some embodiments provide that when the priming device is in apriming-ready configuration, the male luer connector is partiallyinserted into the sleeve and the engagement surface of the memberengages a bottom-facing edge of the male luer connector.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an axis is definedbetween the first end and the second end of the sleeve and when thepriming device is in a priming configuration, each arm flexes away fromthe axis such that a cross-sectional width between the apex areas is atleast equal to the outer surface of the male luer connector.

In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the priming devicefurther includes one or more ribs extending along an outer surface ofthe housing between the second end of the sleeve and the opening toincrease rigidity of the priming device, and provide increased torsionalleverage when coupling or decoupling the sleeve with the male luerconnector.

Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be setforth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the subject technology.The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attainedby the structure particularly pointed out in the written description andclaims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the subject technology asclaimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide furtherunderstanding of the subject technology and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this description, illustrate aspects of the subjecttechnology and, together with the specification, serve to explainprinciples of the subject technology.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a luer connector and embodiments of apriming device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front sectional view of the luer connector and thepriming device of FIG. 1 in a priming-ready configuration.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front sectional view of the luer connector and thepriming device of FIG. 1 in a priming configuration.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the luer connector andthe priming device of FIG. 1 in a post-priming configuration inaccordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the luer connector and the primingdevice of FIG. 1 in a post-priming configuration in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a luer connector andembodiments of a priming device in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front sectional view of the luer connector and thepriming device of FIG. 5 in a priming-ready configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a luer connector andembodiments of a priming device in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front sectional view of the luer connector and thepriming device of FIG. 7 in a priming-ready configuration.

FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of a luer connector and embodiments ofa priming device in a priming-ready configuration in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B illustrates a front view of a luer connector and embodiments ofa priming device in a priming configuration in accordance with aspectsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the priming device ofFIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 illustrates a front sectional view of the priming device of FIG.9 .

FIG. 12A illustrates a front sectional view of the luer connector andthe priming device of FIG. 9 in a priming-ready configuration.

FIG. 12B illustrates a front sectional view of the luer connector andthe priming device of FIG. 9 in a priming configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, specific details are set forth toprovide an understanding of the subject technology. It will be apparent,however, to one ordinarily skilled in the art that the subjecttechnology may be practiced without some of these specific details. Inother instances, well-known structures and techniques have not beenshown in detail so as not to obscure the subject technology.

A phrase such as “an aspect” does not imply that such aspect isessential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to anaspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations.An aspect may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrasesuch as “an aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. Aphrase such as “an embodiment” does not imply that such embodiment isessential to the subject technology or that such embodiment applies toall configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating toan embodiment may apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments.An embodiment may provide one or more examples of the disclosure. Aphrase such “an embodiment” may refer to one or more embodiments andvice versa. A phrase such as “a configuration” does not imply that suchconfiguration is essential to the subject technology or that suchconfiguration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Adisclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations,or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or moreexamples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “a configuration” may referto one or more configurations and vice versa.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a medical connector 900 and an embodiment of apriming device 100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosureare illustrated. The priming device 100 comprises a housing 102 and acover body 104, the cover body 104 interconnecting the housing 102 withthe medical connector 900. In some embodiments, the cover body 104comprises a lid 106. After the medical connector 900 is primed into thehousing 102, the housing 102 may be decoupled from the cover body 104,and the cover body 104 enclosed by the lid 106 to prevent contaminationof the medical connector 900.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the priming device 100 of FIG. 1 is illustrated ina priming-ready configuration. For the purposes of illustration, themedical connector 900 is illustrated as a male Luer connector having aninlet port 902, an outlet port 912, and a body 904 between the inletport 902 and the outlet port 912. A luer portion 906 extends from withinthe body 904 toward the outlet port 912. A fluid path 908 extends fromthe inlet port 902, through the body 904, and Luer portion 906. A post910 extends through the fluid path in the Luer portion 906 when themedical connector 900 is in a closed position. In the closed position,the post 910 seals an open tip of the Luer portion 906 thereby closingthe fluid path 908. A resilient bellows 919 extends between the inletport 902 and the post 910. In some embodiments, elongate member 920,which may be an elongate cylindrical assembly or fingers, is connectedto the post 910 and extends along an exterior of the Luer portion 906toward the outlet port 912. When the medical connector 900 is in an openposition, the elongate member 920 is engaged and retracted within thebody 904 such that the bellows 919 are compressed between the elongatemember 920 and the inlet port 902 and the post 910 is retracted towardthe inlet port 902 and into the Luer portion 906, thereby opening thefluid path 908.

The housing 102 defines a chamber 108 and inlet port 110, wherein thechamber 108 and the inlet port 110 are fluidly coupled within thehousing 102. The housing 102 further defines an opening 112 extendingfrom within the chamber 108 to outside of the housing 102. In someembodiments, the opening 112 extends through a portion of the housing102 opposite the inlet port 110. The opening 112 permits a gas to exitthe chamber 108. A filter (not shown) is disposed in the opening 112. Insome embodiments, the filter is a hydrophobic filter to permit gases toexit the chamber 108 when priming device 100 is utilized to prime themedical connector 900.

A valve 114 is disposed within the housing 102 and extends from theinlet port 110 toward the chamber 108. In some embodiments, the valve114 defines a fluid pathway and, in an embodiment, includes a headportion 116 and a bellows portion 118. In a sealed position, illustratedin FIG. 2A, the valve 114 seals the inlet port 110. In an open position,illustrated in FIG. 2B, the valve 114 does not seal the inlet port 110.

In some embodiments, the chamber 108 is separated from the passage 120by a chamber inlet 122 between the inlet port 110 and the opening 112.The chamber inlet 122 extends radially inward from an inner surface ofthe housing 102 to separate the passage 120 from the chamber 108 and toform an orifice or lumen 124 that fluidly connects the passage 120 tothe chamber 108. In an embodiment, the chamber inlet 122 extendspartially into the bellows portion 118 of the valve 114 so that aportion of the bellows is seated between the inner surface of thehousing 102 and an outer surface of the chamber inlet 122. In someembodiments, the valve 114 is coupled to the chamber inlet 122 where thechamber inlet 122 extends into the bellows to provide a sealed interfacebetween the valve 114 and the chamber inlet 122. In the priming-readyconfiguration (i.e., when the bellows portion 118 is extended), the headportion 116 extends into the inlet port 110 to provide a sealedinterface between the valve 114 and the inlet port 110.

In the priming-ready configuration illustrated in FIG. 2A, the coverbody 104 interconnects the housing 102 with the medical connector 900.The cover body 104 comprises an open first end 126, an open second end128, and an axis 130 between the first end 126 and the second end 128.In the priming-ready configuration, the outlet port 912 of the medicalconnector 900 and the inlet port 110 of the housing 102 are coupled tothe cover body 104 and aligned along the axis 130. However, the fluidpath 908 of the medical connector 900, and the passage 120 of thehousing 102, remain sealed.

In some embodiments, the cover body 104 is cylindrically shaped betweenthe first end 126 and the second end 128. The first end 126 comprises aninner cross-sectional width that is configured to receive the outletport 912. In some embodiments, the inner cross-sectional width of thefirst end 126 is equal to the outer cross-sectional width of the outletport 912 such that the outlet port 912 is press fit into the cover body104 partially toward the second end 128.

The second end 128 comprises an inner cross-sectional width configuredto receive the inlet port 110 partially toward the first end 126. Insome embodiments, the cover body 104 comprises one or more protrusion132 extending axially inward from an inner surface of the cover body 104at the second end 128. The protrusion 132 has an inner surface definingan inner cross-sectional width. The inner cross-sectional width of theprotrusion 132 is less than the outer cross-sectional width of the inletport 110. In some embodiments, the protrusion 132 is one or moreflexible tabs. The flexible tabs yield to permit the inlet port 110 tobe advanced toward the first end 126. A portion of the housing 102having an outer cross-sectional width that is less than the outercross-sectional width of the inlet port 110 allows the tabs to retainthe inlet port 110 between the tabs and the first end 126 in thepriming-ready configuration.

In the priming configuration illustrated in FIG. 2B, the outlet port 912of the medical connector 900 and the inlet port 110 of the housing 102are coupled together and remain within the cover body 104. In thepriming configuration, a fluid pathway is opened between the fluid path908 of the medical connector 900 and the passage 120 of the housing 102.

To place the priming device 100 in a priming configuration, the medicalconnector 900 is moved toward the housing 102 such that the Luer portion906 is advanced into the inlet port 110 to fluidly couple the medicalconnector 900 with the housing 102, thereby opening the valve 114 andcreating a fluid pathway between the medical connector 900 and thechamber 108. In some embodiments, when the Luer portion 906 is advancedtoward the inlet port 110, a top surface 134 of the inlet port 110engages the elongate member 920 to compress the bellows 919 and urge thepost 910 toward the inlet port 902 and thereby open the fluid path 908.As the Luer portion 906 is advanced into the inlet port 110, the Luerportion 906 is received into the passage 120 to unseal the inlet port110. In some embodiments, the Luer portion 906 urges the head portion116 of the valve 114 toward the chamber inlet 122 thereby causing thebellows portion 118 to fold and the fluid pathway through the valve 114to open.

In some embodiments, a thread 136 extends circumferentially outward froman outer surface of the inlet port 110. As the medical connector 900 andhousing 102 are moved toward each other and rotated about the axis 130,the thread 136 engages a mating thread 914 on an inner surface of theoutlet port 912 to threadably couple the housing 102 with the medicalconnector 900.

In the priming configuration, a system coupled to the medical connector900 is primed by transferring gasses from the system, through themedical connector 900, and into the chamber 108 of the priming device100. As the gases are transferred through the fluid pathway and into thechamber 108, the gasses are permitted to exit the chamber 108 throughthe opening 112. In some embodiments, the gasses are caused to betransferred into the priming device 100 by forcing a fluid and a gas inthe system into the priming device 100. A hydrophobic filter disposed inthe opening 112 allows the gases to exit the housing 102 while retainingthe fluid in the chamber 108, permitting the priming device 100 to beused in any orientation.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a priming device 100 is illustrated in apost-priming configuration. In the post-priming configuration, thehousing 102 is decoupled from the cover body 104, while the cover body104 remains coupled to the medical connector 900. The priming device 100is decoupled from the cover body 104 by overriding the tabs 132 (in FIG.3 , the feature where 102 is pointing to, is actually doing theoverriding), and moving the priming device 100 away from the first end126. In some embodiments, one or more rib 140 extends along the outersurface of the housing 102. Alternatively, the outer surface of thehousing 102 comprises one or more channel between the second end 128 andthe opening 112. In some embodiments, rib 140 extends along a portion ofthe outer surface of the housing 102 from the chamber inlet 122 to theopening 112. In some embodiments, one or more channel 142 extends alongthe outer surface of the cover body 104. Alternatively, the outersurface of the cover body 104 comprises one or more rib. Each of the rib140 and the channel 142 increase the rigidity of the housing 102 andcover body 104, and provide increased torsional leverage when coupling,decoupling, or rotating either of the housing 102 and cover body 104about the axis 130.

Still referring to FIG. 3 , the lid 106 is coupled to the cover body104. In some embodiments, the lid 106 is rotatably coupled to the secondend 128 of the cover body 104 by a hinge 144. In some embodiments, thehinge 144 is a living hinge. After the housing 102 is decoupled from thecover body 104, the lid 106 is rotated about hinge 144 to cover thesecond 128 as best illustrated in FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, aportion 146 of the outer surface of the cover body 104 extending fromthe second end 128 comprises a reduced cross-sectional width. When thelid 106 is rotated to cover the second end 128, the portion 146 of theouter surface 148 of the cover body 104 having a reduced cross-sectionalwidth is received into the lid 106 such that the outer surface of thelid is flush with the outer surface of the cover body 104.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6 , a medical connector 900 and someembodiments of a priming device 200 in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure are illustrated. The priming device 200 comprises ahousing 202 and a cover body 204, the cover body 204 interconnecting thehousing 202 with the medical connector 900. In some embodiments, thecover body 204 comprises a lid 206. After the medical connector 900 isprimed into the housing 202, the housing 202 may be decoupled from thecover body 204, and the cover body 204 enclosed by the lid 206 toprevent contamination of the medical connector 900.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the priming device 200 is illustrated in apriming-ready configuration. For the purposes of illustration, themedical connector 900 is illustrated as a male Luer connector having aninlet port 902, an outlet port 912, and a body 904 between the inletport 902 and the outlet port 912. A luer portion 906 extends from withinthe body 904 toward the outlet port 912. A fluid path 908 extends fromthe inlet port 902, through the body 904, and Luer portion 906. A post910 extends through the fluid path in the Luer portion 906 when themedical connector 900 is in a closed position. In the closed position,the post 910 seals an open tip of the Luer portion 906 thereby closingthe fluid path 908. A resilient bellows 919 extends between the inletport 902 and the post 910. In some embodiments, elongate member 920 (notvisible in FIG. 6 ) is connected to the post 910 and extends along anexterior of the Luer portion 906 toward the outlet port 912. When themedical connector 900 is in an open position, the bellows 919 iscompressed and the post 910 is retracted toward the inlet port 902 andinto the Luer portion 906 thereby opening the fluid path 908.

The housing 202 defines a chamber 208 and inlet port 210, wherein thechamber 208 and the inlet port 210 are fluidly coupled within thehousing 202. The housing 202 further defines an opening 212 extendingfrom within the chamber 208 to outside of the housing 202. In someembodiments, the opening 212 extends through a portion of the housing202 opposite the inlet port 210. The opening 212 permits a gas to exitthe chamber 208. A filter 238 is disposed in the opening 212. In someembodiments, the filter is a hydrophobic filter to permit gases to exitthe chamber 208 when priming device 200 is utilized to prime the medicalconnector 900.

A valve 214 is disposed within the housing 202 and extends from theinlet port 210 toward the chamber 208. In some embodiments, the valve214 defines a fluid pathway and, in some embodiments, includes a headportion 218 and a bellows portion 218. In a sealed position, illustratedin FIG. 6 the valve 214 seals the inlet port 210. In an open position(not shown) the valve 214 does not seal the inlet port 210.

The chamber 208 is separated from the passage 220 by a chamber inlet 222between the inlet port 210 and the opening 212. The chamber inlet 222extends radially inward from an inner surface of the housing 202 toseparate the passage 220 from the chamber 208 and to form an orifice orlumen 224 that fluidly connects the passage 220 to the chamber 208. Insome embodiments, the chamber inlet 222 extends partially into thebellows portion 216 of the valve 214 so that a portion of the bellows isseated between the inner surface of the housing 102 and an outer surfaceof the chamber inlet 222. In some embodiments the valve 214 is coupledto the chamber inlet 222 where the chamber inlet 222 extends into thebellows to provide a sealed interface between the valve 214 and thechamber inlet 222. In the priming-ready configuration (i.e., when thebellows portion 218 is extended), the head portion 218 extends into theinlet port 210 to provide a sealed interface between the valve 214 andthe inlet port 210.

The outer surface of the chamber 208 comprises cross-sectional widththat is greater than the outer cross-sectional width of the passage 220.The outer surface of the housing 202 defining the opening 212 comprisesa larger outer cross-sectional width than the chamber 208, and forms anouter ridge 250. A ledge 252 is formed between the inside surface of theridge 250 and the chamber 208. The outer cross-sectional width of thefilter 238 is greater than or equal to the inside cross-sectional widthof the ridge 250, allowing the filtered 238 to be seated in the opening212. When seated in the opening 212, the ledge 252 prevents the filter238 from shifting toward the chamber 208.

The cover body 204 interconnects the housing 202 with the medicalconnector 900. The cover body 204 comprises an open first end 226, anopen second end 228, and an axis 230 between the first end 226 and thesecond end 228. In the priming ready configuration, the outlet port 912of the medical connector 900 and the inlet port 210 of the housing 202are coupled to the cover body 204 and aligned along the axis 230. In thepriming-ready configuration, the fluid path 908 of the medical connector200, and the passage 220 of the housing 202, remain sealed.

The cover body 204 is cylindrically shaped between the first end 226 andthe second end 228. The first end 226 comprises an inner cross-sectionalwidth that is configured to receive the outlet port 912 of the medicalconnector 900. In some embodiments, the inner cross-sectional width ofthe first end 226 is equal to the outer cross-sectional width of theoutlet port 912 such that the outlet port 912 is press fit into thecover body 204 partially toward the second end 228.

The second end 228 comprises an inner cross-sectional width configuredto receive the inlet port 210 partially toward the first end 226. Insome embodiments, the cover body 204 comprises one or more protrusion232 extending axially inward from an inner surface of the cover body 204at the second end 228. The protrusion 232 has an inner surface definingan inner cross-sectional width. The inner cross-sectional width of theprotrusion 232 is less than the outer cross-sectional width of the inletport 210. In some embodiments, the protrusion 232 is one or moreflexible tabs. The flexible tabs yield to permit the inlet port 210 tobe advanced toward the first end 226. A portion of the housing 202having an outer cross-sectional width that is less than the outercross-sectional width of the inlet port 210 allows the tabs to retainthe inlet port 200 between the tabs and the first end 226 in thepriming-ready configuration.

To place the priming device 200 in a priming configuration, the medicalconnector 900 is moved toward the housing 202 such that the Luer portion906 is advanced into the inlet port 210 to fluidly couple the housing202 with the medical connector 900, thereby opening the valve 214 andcreating a fluid pathway between the medical connector 900 and thechamber 208. In some embodiments, when the Luer portion 906 is advancedtoward the inlet port 210, a top surface 234 of the inlet port 210engages the elongate member 920 to urge the post 910 toward the inletport 902 and thereby open the path 908. As the Luer portion 906 isadvanced into the inlet port 210, the Luer portion 906 is received intothe passage 220 to unseal the inlet port 210. In some embodiments, theLuer portion 906 urges the head portion 218 of the valve 214 toward thechamber inlet 222 thereby causing the bellows portion 218 to fold andthe valve 214 to open.

A thread 236 extends circumferentially outward from an outer surface ofthe inlet port 210. As the medical connector 900 is moved toward thehousing 202 and rotated about the axis 230, the thread 236 engages amating thread 914 on an inner surface of the outlet port 912 tothreadably couple the housing 202 with the medical connector 900.

In the priming configuration, a system coupled to the medical connector900 is primed by transferring gasses from the system, through themedical connector 900, and into the chamber 208 of the priming device200. As the gases are transferred through the fluid pathway and into thechamber 208, the gasses are permitted to exit the chamber 208 throughthe opening 212. In some embodiments, the gasses are caused to betransferred into the priming device 200 by forcing a fluid in the systeminto the priming device 200. Where the filter 238 is a hydrophobicfilter, the filter 238 disposed in the opening 212 allows the gases toexit the housing 202 while retaining the fluid in the chamber 208,permitting the priming device 200 to be used in any orientation.

In a post-priming configuration, the housing 202 is decoupled from thecover body 204, while the cover body 204 remains coupled to the medicalconnector 900. The priming device 200 is decoupled from the cover body204 by unscrewing the threads 236 of the inlet port 210 from the threads914 of the medical connector 900, and moving the priming device 200 awayfrom the first end 226. One or more channels 242 extend along the outersurface of the cover body 204. In some embodiments, one or more channels242 and ribs 254 alternate around the outer surface of the cover body204. Each of the rib 254 and the channel 242 increase the rigidity ofthe cover body 204, and provide increased torsional leverage whencoupling, decoupling, or rotating either of the housing 202 and coverbody 204 about the axis 230.

A lid 206 is rotatably coupled to the second end 228 of the cover body204 by a hinge 244. In some embodiments, the hinge 244 is a livinghinge, meaning that a flexible material is used to couple the adjoiningpieces and that the material flexes or deforms to provide relativerotational movement instead of separate component that slide relativelyat the hinge. In some embodiments, a portion 256 of the lid 206 has across-sectional width equal to the inner cross sectional width of thesecond end 228 of the cover body 204. After the housing 202 is decoupledfrom the cover body 204, the lid 206 is rotated about hinge 244 suchthat the portion 256 of the lid 206 having a reduced cross-sectionalwidth is received into the second end 228 of the cover body 204 to coverthe second 228.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8 , a medical connector 900 and someembodiments of a priming device 300 in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure are illustrated. The priming device 300 comprises ahousing 302 and a cover body 304, the cover body 304 interconnecting thehousing 302 with the medical connector 900. In some embodiments, thecover body 304 comprises a lid 306. After the medical connector 900 isprimed into the housing 302, the housing 302 may be decoupled from thecover body 304, and the cover body 304 enclosed by the lid 306 toprevent contamination of the medical connector 900.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the priming device 300 is illustrated in apriming-ready configuration. For the purposes of illustration, themedical connector 900 is illustrated as a male Luer connector having aninlet port 902, an outlet port 912, and a body 904 between the inletport 902 and the outlet port 912. A luer portion 906 extends from withinthe body 904 toward the outlet port 912. A fluid path 908 extends fromthe inlet port 902, through the body 904, and Luer portion 906. A post910 extends through the fluid path in the Luer portion 906 when themedical connector 900 is in a closed position. In the closed position,the post 910 seals an open tip of the Luer portion 906 thereby closingthe fluid path 908. A resilient bellows 919 extends between the inletport 902 and the post 910. In some embodiments, elongate member 920 isconnected to the post 910 and extends along an exterior of the Luerportion 906 toward the outlet port 912. When the medical connector 900is in an open position, the post 910 is toward the inlet port 902 andinto the Luer portion 906 thereby opening the fluid path 908.

The housing 302 defines a chamber 308 and an inlet port 310, wherein thechamber 308 and the inlet port 310 are fluidly coupled within thehousing 302. The outer surface of the chamber 308 comprisescross-sectional width that is greater than the outer cross-sectionalwidth of the passage 320. An outer surface of the housing 302, betweenthe chamber 308 and the passage 320, includes a surface 258 extendingcircumferentially outward from an axis 330 defined between the chamber308 and inlet port 310. An opening through the surface 258 extends fromwithin the chamber 308 to outside of the housing 302. The opening 312permits a gas to exit the chamber 308. A filter 338 is disposed in theopening 312. In some embodiments, the filter is a hydrophobic filter topermit gases to exit the chamber 308 when priming device 300 is utilizedto prime the medical connector 900.

The cover body 304 interconnects the housing 302 with the medicalconnector 900. The cover body 304 comprises an open first end 326 and anopen second end 328, with the axis 330 extending between the first end326 and the second end 328. In the priming ready configuration, theoutlet port 912 of the medical connector 900 and the inlet port 310 ofthe housing 302 are coupled to the cover body 304 and aligned along theaxis 330. In the priming-ready configuration, the fluid path 908 of themedical connector 900, and the passage 320 of the housing 302, remainsealed.

The cover body 304 is cylindrically shaped between the first end 326 andthe second end 328. The first end 326 comprises an inner cross-sectionalwidth that is configured to receive the outlet port 912. In someembodiments, the inner cross-sectional width of the first end 326 isequal to the outer cross-sectional width of the outlet port 912 suchthat the outlet port 912 is press fit into the cover body 304 partiallytoward the second end 328.

The second end 328 comprises an inner cross-sectional width configuredto receive the inlet port 310 partially toward the first end 326. Insome embodiments, the cover body 304 comprises one or more protrusion332 extending axially inward from an inner surface of the cover body 304at the second end 328. The protrusion 332 has an inner surface definingan inner cross-sectional width. The inner cross-sectional width of theprotrusion 332 is less than the outer cross-sectional width of the inletport 310. In some embodiments, the protrusion 332 is one or moreflexible tabs. The flexible tabs yield to permit the inlet port 310 tobe advanced toward the first end 326. A portion of the housing 302having an outer cross-sectional width that is less than the outercross-sectional width of the inlet port 310 allows the tabs to retainthe inlet port 300 between the tabs and the first end 326 in thepriming-ready configuration.

To place the priming device 300 in a priming configuration, the medicalconnector 900 is moved toward the housing 302 such that the Luer portion906 is advanced into the inlet port 310 to fluidly couple the housing302 with the medical connector 900, thereby opening the valve 314 andcreating a fluid pathway between the medical connector 900 and thechamber 308. In some embodiments, when the Luer portion 906 is advancedtoward the inlet port 310, a top surface 334 of the inlet port 310engages the elongate member 920 to urge the post 910 toward the inletport 902 and thereby open the path 908. As the Luer portion 906 isadvanced into the inlet port 310, the Luer portion 906 is received intothe passage 320 to unseal the inlet port 310. In some embodiments, theLuer portion 906 urges the head portion 318 of the valve 314 toward thechamber inlet 322 thereby causing the bellows portion 316 to fold andthe valve 314 to open.

A thread 336 extends circumferentially outward from an outer surface ofthe inlet port 310. As the medical connector 900 is moved toward thehousing 302 and rotated about the axis 330, the thread 336 engages amating thread 914 on an inner surface of the outlet port 912 tothreadably couple the housing 302 with the medical connector 900.

In the priming configuration, a system coupled to the medical connector900 is primed by transferring gasses from the system, through themedical connector 900, and into the chamber 308 of the priming device300. Fluid and gasses from the system enter the chamber 308. Because theopening is located through the surface 258, above the chamber 308, thegasses are permitted to exit the chamber 308 through the opening in thesurface 258 unobstructed by the fluid accumulating in the chamber 308.Where the filter 338 is a hydrophobic filter, the filter 338 disposed inthe opening 312 allows the gases to exit the housing 302 while retainingthe fluid in the chamber 308, permitting the priming device 300 to beused in any orientation.

In a post-priming configuration, the housing 302 is decoupled from thecover body 304, while the cover body 304 remains coupled to the medicalconnector 900. The priming device 300 is decoupled from the cover body304 by unscrewing the threads 336 of the inlet port 310 from the threads914 of the medical connector 900, and moving the priming device 300 awayfrom the first end 326. One or more channels 342 extend along the outersurface of the cover body 304. In some embodiments, one or more channels342 and ribs 354 alternate around the outer surface of the cover body304. Each of the rib 354 and the channel 342 increase the rigidity ofthe cover body 304, and provide increased torsional leverage whencoupling, decoupling, or rotating either of the housing 302 and coverbody 304 about the axis 330.

A lid 306 is rotatably coupled to the second end 328 of the cover body304 by a hinge 344. In some embodiments, the hinge 344 is a livinghinge. In some embodiments, a portion 356 of the lid 306 has across-sectional width equal to the inner cross sectional width of thesecond end 328 of the cover body 304. After the housing 302 is decoupledfrom the cover body 304, the lid 306 is rotated about hinge 344 suchthat the portion 356 of the lid 306 having a reduced cross-sectionalwidth is received into the second end 328 of the cover body 304 to coverthe second 328.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-12B, a medical connector 900 and someembodiments of a priming device 400 in accordance with aspects of thepresent disclosure are illustrated. The priming device 400 comprises ahousing 402 and a sleeve 404, the sleeve 404 interconnecting the housing402 with the medical connector 900. The sleeve 404 comprises an openfirst end 426, a closed second end 428 coupled the housing 402, and anaxis 430 between the first end 426 and the second end 428. The sleeve404 defines one or more window 460 through the sleeve 404. Each window460 comprises an arm 462 extending from a bottom of each window,partially toward the first end 426 and parallel to the axis 430.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11 , the housing 402 defines a chamber 408 andinlet port 410, wherein the chamber 408 and the inlet port 410 arefluidly coupled within the housing 402. The housing 402 further definesan opening 412 extending from within the chamber 408 to outside of thehousing 402. The opening 412 extends through a portion of the housing402 opposite the inlet port 410. The opening 412 permits a gas to exitthe chamber 408. A filter 438 is disposed in the opening 412. In someembodiments, the filter is a hydrophobic filter configured to permitgases to exit the chamber 408 when priming device 400 is utilized toprime the medical connector.

An end of each arm 462, opposite the bottom of each window, includes amember 464 extending radially from an inner surface of each arm 462toward the axis 430. Each member 464 comprises a ramp surface 466, anengagement surface 468 extending transversely to the ramp surface 466,and an apex area 470 that transitions between the ramp surface and theengagement surface. In some embodiments, the engagement surface 468 isperpendicular to the axis 430.

Referring to FIGS. 12A-12B, a portion of a medical connector 900 isillustrated coupled with the priming device 400. For the purposes ofillustration, the medical connector 900 is illustrated as a male Luerconnector having an inlet port (not shown), an outlet port 912, and abody 904 between the inlet port and the outlet port 912. A luer portion906 extends from within the body 904 toward the outlet port 912. A fluidpath extends from the inlet port 902, through the body 904, and Luerportion 906. A post 910 extends through the fluid path in the Luerportion 906 when the medical connector 900 is in a closed position. Inthe closed position, illustrated in FIG. 12A, the post 910 seals an opentip of the Luer portion 906 thereby closing the fluid path. In someembodiments, elongate member 920 is connected to the post 910 andextends along an exterior of the Luer portion 906 toward the outlet port912. When the medical connector 900 is in an open position, illustratedin FIG. 12B, the post 910 is retracted toward the inlet port 902 andinto the Luer portion 906 thereby opening the path 908.

The sleeve 404 is cylindrically shaped between the first end 426 and thesecond end 428. The first end 426 comprises an inner cross-sectionalwidth that is configured to receive the outlet port 912. In someembodiments, the inner cross-sectional width of the first end 426 equalto the outer cross-sectional width of the outlet port 912 such that theoutlet port 912 is press fit into the cover body 404 partially towardthe second end 428. In the priming-ready configuration illustrated inFIGS. 9A and 12A, the engagement surface 468 of each arm 462 contacts anedge of the outlet port 912 to prevent insertion of the medicalconnector 900 beyond the member 464.

To place the priming device 400 in a priming configuration illustratedin FIGS. 9B and 12B, the medical connector 900 is moved toward thepriming device 400, causing the arms 462 to flex away from the axis 430such that the cross-sectional width between the apex area 470 of eachmember 464 is greater than or equal to an outer surface of the body 904at the outlet port 912. With each arm 462 deflected, the medicalconnector 900 is permitted to be inserted beyond the member 464 with theapex area 470 of each member 464 in contact with the outer surface ofthe body 904. As the medical connector 900 is moved toward the primingdevice 400, the Luer portion 906 is advanced over the inlet port 410 anda top surface 434 engages the elongate member 920. As the medicalconnector 900 is moved toward the priming device 400, the elongatemember 920 and post 910 are retracted toward the inlet port 902 therebycreating a fluid pathway between the medical connector 900 and thechamber 408. In some embodiments, a valve is disposed within the housing402 and extends from the inlet port 410 toward the chamber 408. As theLuer portion 906 is advanced into the inlet port 410, the Luer portion906 is received into the passage 420 displace the valve and unseal theinlet port 410. In some embodiments, the valve includes a head portionand a bellows portion. As the Luer portion 906 is received into thepassage 420, the head portion of the valve is urged toward the chamberthereby causing a bellows portion to fold and the valve to open.

In some embodiments, a thread (not shown) extends circumferentiallyoutward from an outer surface of the inlet port 410. As the medicalconnector 900 is moved toward the housing 402 and rotated about the axis430, the thread engages a mating thread 914 on an inner surface of theoutlet port 912 to threadably couple the housing 402 with the medicalconnector 900.

In the priming configuration, a system coupled to the medical connector900 is primed by transferring gasses from the system, through themedical connector 900, and into the chamber 408 of the priming device400. As the gases are transferred through the fluid pathway and into thechamber 408, the gasses are permitted to exit the chamber 408 throughthe opening 412. In some embodiments, the gasses are caused to betransferred into the priming device 400 by forcing a fluid in the systeminto the priming device 400. Where the filter 438 is a hydrophobicfilter, the filter 438 disposed in the opening 412 allows the gases toexit the housing 402 while retaining the fluid in the chamber 408,permitting the priming device 400 to be used in any orientation.

In some embodiments, one or more rib 440 extends along the outer surfaceof the housing 402 between the second end 428 and the opening 412.Alternatively, the outer surface of the housing 402 comprises one ormore channel between the second end 428 and the opening 412. The ribs440 or channels increase the rigidity of the priming device 400, andprovide increased torsional leverage when coupling or decoupling primingdevice 400 with the medical connector 900.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in theart to practice the various configurations described herein. While thesubject technology has been particularly described with reference to thevarious figures and configurations, it should be understood that theseare for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limitingthe scope of the subject technology.

There may be many other ways to implement the subject technology.Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioneddifferently from those shown without departing from the scope of thesubject technology. Various modifications to these configurations willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and generic principlesdefined herein may be applied to other configurations. Thus, manychanges and modifications may be made to the subject technology, by onehaving ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope ofthe subject technology.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series ofitems, with the term “and” or “or” to separate any of the items,modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e.,each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection ofat least one of each item listed; rather, the phrase allows a meaningthat includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least oneof any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of theitems. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or“at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C;any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, andC.

Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the likeis used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” isinterpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. The word“exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otherembodiments.

A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “oneand only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” Theterm “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functionalequivalents to the elements of the various configurations describedthroughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known tothose of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein byreference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology.Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to thepublic regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited inthe above description.

While certain aspects and embodiments of the subject technology havebeen described, these have been presented by way of example only, andare not intended to limit the scope of the subject technology. Indeed,the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in avariety of other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. Theaccompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover suchforms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of thesubject technology.

What is claimed is:
 1. A priming assembly comprising: a male luerconnector comprising: an inlet port, an outlet port, and a body betweenthe inlet port and the outlet port; a luer portion extending from withinthe body toward the outlet port, wherein a fluid path extends from theinlet port through the body and luer portion; and a post extendingthrough the fluid path in the luer portion, wherein in a closedposition, the post seals an open tip of the luer portion thereby closingthe fluid path, and in an open position, the post is retracted towardthe inlet port of the male luer connector and into the luer portion,thereby opening the fluid path; and a priming device comprising: ahousing defining a chamber and an inlet port, wherein the chamber andthe inlet port are fluidly coupled, the housing comprising an openingextending from within the chamber to outside the housing and configuredto permit a gas to exit the chamber; a sleeve having an open first endconfigured to couple with the male luer connector, a second end coupledto the housing, and an axis between the first end and the second end,wherein the sleeve defines at least one window; an arm extending from abottom of each window toward the first end, wherein two arms arepositioned opposite one another; and a member extending radially from aninner surface of each arm, wherein each member comprises a ramp surface,an engagement surface extending transversely to the ramp surface, and anapex area that transitions between the ramp surface and the engagementsurface, wherein when the priming device is in a priming-readyconfiguration with the male luer connector, the male luer connector ispartially inserted into the sleeve and the engagement surface of eachmember contacts an edge of the outlet port of the male luer connector toprevent insertion of the male luer connector beyond the member, and eacharm flexes away from the axis such that a cross-sectional width betweenthe apex areas is at least equal to an outer surface of the male luerconnector.
 2. The priming device of claim 1, wherein the inlet port isadvanced over a portion of a male luer connector stem of the male luerconnector to fluidly couple the housing with the male luer connector,thereby creating a fluid pathway between the male luer connector and thechamber.
 3. The priming device of claim 1, wherein a filter is disposedin the opening.
 4. The priming device of claim 1, wherein the openingextends through a portion of the housing opposite the inlet port.
 5. Thepriming device of claim 1, wherein the open first end of the sleeve hasan inner cross-sectional width configured to receive the outlet port ofthe male luer connector.
 6. The priming device of claim 1, wherein anouter surface of the housing comprises one or more channels between thesecond end of the sleeve and the opening to increase rigidity of thepriming device, and provide increased torsional leverage when couplingor decoupling the sleeve with the male luer connector.
 7. The primingdevice of claim 1, further comprising one or more ribs extending alongan outer surface of the housing between the second end of the sleeve andthe opening to increase rigidity of the priming device, and provideincreased torsional leverage when coupling or decoupling the sleeve withthe male luer connector.
 8. The priming device of claim 3, wherein thefilter comprises a hydrophobic filter.
 9. The priming device of claim 5,wherein the inner cross-sectional width of the first end is equal to anouter cross-sectional width of the outlet port of the male luerconnector such that the outlet port is press fit into the sleevepartially toward the second end of the sleeve.
 10. A priming assemblycomprising: a male luer connector comprising: an inlet port, an outletport, and a body between the inlet port and the outlet port; a luerportion extending from within the body toward the outlet port, wherein afluid path extends from the inlet port through the body and luerportion; and a post extending through the fluid path in the luerportion, wherein in a closed position, the post seals an open tip of theluer portion thereby closing the fluid path, and in an open position,the post is retracted toward the inlet port of the male luer connectorand into the luer portion, thereby opening the fluid path; and a primingdevice comprising: a housing defining a chamber and an inlet portfluidly coupled to the chamber, the housing comprising an openingextending through a portion of the housing opposite the inlet port, theopening configured to permit a gas to exit the chamber; a sleeve havingan open first end configured to couple with the male luer connector, asecond end coupled to the housing; and at least one window definedthrough the sleeve, the at least one window comprising an arm extendingtoward the first end and the arm including at least one member extendingradially from an inner surface of each arm, wherein when the primingdevice is in a priming-ready configuration with the male luer connector,the male luer connector is partially inserted into the sleeve and anengagement surface of each member engages a bottom-facing edge of themale luer connector to prevent insertion of the male luer connectorbeyond the member, and two arms are positioned opposite one another andeach arm flexes away from a longitudinal axis such that across-sectional width between the arms is at least equal to an outersurface of the male luer connector.
 11. The priming device of claim 10,wherein each member comprises a ramp surface, the engagement surfaceextending transversely to the ramp surface, and an apex area thattransitions between the ramp surface and the engagement surface.
 12. Thepriming device of claim 10, further comprising one or more ribsextending along an outer surface of the housing between the second endof the sleeve and the opening to increase rigidity of the primingdevice, and provide increased torsional leverage when coupling ordecoupling the sleeve with the male luer connector.
 13. The primingdevice of claim 11, wherein the axis is defined between the first endand the second end of the sleeve, and wherein the cross-sectional widthbetween the apex areas is at least equal to the outer surface of themale luer connector.